- EUR/USD briefly weakened below the 1.0500 support to hit new YTD lows.
- Further gains lifted the US Dollar to fresh 2024 peaks despite lower yields.
- US Producer Prices ticked higher in October, while weekly Claims were firm.
EUR/USD stayed under pressure on Thursday, marking its fifth consecutive decline and dipping to new 2024 lows in the sub-1.0500 region.
The ongoing strength of the US Dollar, driven by a surge in investor optimism over potential economic policies under the incoming Trump administration, sent the US Dollar Index (DXY) beyond the 107.00 barrier to clinch fresh yearly highs.
The Greenback’s gains were bolstered by the so-called "Trump trade," reflecting market confidence in potential pro-growth policies. Contrasting with the above, US bond yields moved lower across the board, while German 10-year bund yields dropped to two-day lows, breaking below 2.35%.
On the policy front, the Federal Reserve (Fed) cut its target interest rate by 25 basis points last week, lowering it to the 4.75%-5.00% range as expected. The Fed acknowledged that inflation is inching closer to its 2% goal, though the labor market is showing early signs of cooling despite persistently low unemployment figures. Notably, the Fed’s statement included a subtle shift in language, suggesting inflation has "made progress."
Fed Chair Jerome Powell refrained from signalling any specific policy direction for December, highlighting continued economic uncertainties. He noted that while recent data was encouraging, there’s no intent to resign if pressured by President-elect Trump.
Meanwhile, Fed officials has maintained a cautious approach when it came to gauge the potential continuation of the bank’s easing cycle. On this, Richmond Federal Reserve President Tom Barkin argued that uncertainties, such as high union wage settlements and the potential for upcoming tariff increases, could lead Fed policymakers to be more cautious in concluding that they have successfully curbed inflation. Barkin did not specify whether he supports another rate cut at the Fed’s upcoming December meeting.
Across the Atlantic, the European Central Bank (ECB) lowered its deposit rate to 3.25% on October 17 but decided to pause any further actions, waiting for more economic data before making additional moves.
Looking forward, potential trade policies from the Trump administration, including tariffs on European and Chinese goods, could push US inflation higher. If the Fed adopts a cautious or hawkish stance, it may continue to lend support to the US Dollar.
Back in the US, inflation remained in centre stage, showing Producer Prices rising more than expected by 2.4% YoY in October, and 3.1% from a year earlier when it came to prices excluding food and energy costs.
EUR/USD daily chart
Technical Outlook for EUR/USD
Further losses could see EUR/USD testing its 2024 low at 1.0495 (November 14), before the 2023 bottom at 1.0448 (October 3).
On the upside, immediate resistance lies at the 200-day SMA of 1.0865, seconded by the November high at 1.0936 (November 6) and the provisional 55-day SMA at 1.0947.
In addition, the short-term technical outlook remains bearish as long as EUR/USD stays below the 200-day SMA.
The four-hour chart highlights accelerating downward momentum, with key support levels at 1.0495 and 1.0448. On the upside, initial resistance appears at 1.0653, followed by 1.0726. The RSI rebounded above 32.
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD stays near 1.0400 in thin holiday trading
EUR/USD trades with mild losses near 1.0400 on Tuesday. The expectation that the US Federal Reserve will deliver fewer rate cuts in 2025 provides some support for the US Dollar. Trading volumes are likely to remain low heading into the Christmas break.
GBP/USD struggles to find direction, holds steady near 1.2550
GBP/USD consolidates in a range at around 1.2550 on Tuesday after closing in negative territory on Monday. The US Dollar preserves its strength and makes it difficult for the pair to gain traction as trading conditions thin out on Christmas Eve.
Gold holds above $2,600, bulls non-committed on hawkish Fed outlook
Gold trades in a narrow channel above $2,600 on Tuesday, albeit lacking strong follow-through buying. Geopolitical tensions and trade war fears lend support to the safe-haven XAU/USD, while the Fed’s hawkish shift acts as a tailwind for the USD and caps the precious metal.
IRS says crypto staking should be taxed in response to lawsuit
In a filing on Monday, the US International Revenue Service stated that the rewards gotten from staking cryptocurrencies should be taxed, responding to a lawsuit from couple Joshua and Jessica Jarrett.
2025 outlook: What is next for developed economies and currencies?
As the door closes in 2024, and while the year feels like it has passed in the blink of an eye, a lot has happened. If I had to summarise it all in four words, it would be: ‘a year of surprises’.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.